Sir: Biodiversity of insects is threatened worldwide. The pace of modern insect extinctions surpasses that of vertebrates by a large margin, although the extent of losses cannot be accurately quanti?ed. Insect biomass is declining by a staggering 2.5 percent a year, a rate that indicates widespread extinctions within a century. More than 40 percent of insect species could become extinct in the next few decades, in addition to the 40 percent at risk of dying out, a third of species are endangered.
A report by Francisco Sanchez-Bayo of the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney examined the reasons behind these falling numbers and called his study the first truly global examination of the issue.
There are number of causes contributing to this decline but indiscriminate and extensive usage of pesticides is the primary factor responsible, report said. Other reasons include habitat loss and conversion to intensive agriculture and urbanization, pollution, as well as biological factors. In tropical regions specially and worldwide generally climate change is also a significant cause of decline in Entomofauna. By the end of 20th century humans encroached 30-50 percent of world’s natural ecosystems, intensified deforestation, agricultural expansion, industrialization and urbanization all such human activities contributed to the insect decline.
Insects contribute to the natural ecosystem in several ways and at different levels in food chain. Some are important pollinators and 80% of wild plants use insects for pollination. Several different species rely on insects as their food source with 60% of birds relies on insects as a food source. Some are key natural enemies of agricultural pests and medically important arthropod vectors.
Insects constitute the world’s most abundant animal group and are two thirds of all terrestrial species on Earth. Besides the abundance in number insects provide critical services within ecosystems so the repercussions of insect extinction can’t be simply ignored. Prompt decision making with practical actions is needed to avert the collapse of the nature’s ecosystems with a devastating impact on life on Earth.
The writing is on the wall, unless we change our ways of life and producing food, insects as a whole will go down the path of extinction in a few decades. Radical and immediate action is call of time to restore habitat, revamp existing agricultural methods, reducing pesticide usage and replacing it with eco-friendly practices. It is urgently needed to slow or reverse current trends, allow the recovery of declining insect populations and protect the vital ecosystem services they provide free of cost.
MUHAMMAD UZAIR MUKHTAR
Beijing, China